# Technology and Rheological Properties of Warm Asphalt Rubber Based on an Ultra-Warm Mix Additive (UWM)–Sasobit Composite System

## TL;DR

This study develops a warm asphalt rubber composite using UWM and Sasobit to reduce viscosity while maintaining high performance, supporting low-carbon road construction.

## Contribution

A composite warm mix system combining UWM and Sasobit is introduced to enhance warm asphalt rubber performance at high crumb rubber contents.

## Key findings

- Optimal WAR preparation involved 5% aromatic oil, 30% crumb rubber, 220°C shear temperature, 120 min shear time, and 90 min reaction time.
- The WAR-5U1.5S group showed balanced properties with reduced viscosity, stable softening point, and good ductility and elastic recovery.
- DSR, MSCR, and BBR tests confirmed improved high-temperature resistance and low-temperature cracking performance in the composite system.

## Abstract

To address the challenges of decarbonization in the global transportation sector and disposal of waste tires, warm asphalt rubber (WAR) with low viscosity and high performance was prepared. In particular, the preparation and rheological behavior of WAR incorporating composite warm mix systems at relatively high crumb rubber contents have not been thoroughly documented. In this study, WAR prepared under such conditions was systematically examined. A five-factor, three-level segmented orthogonal experimental design (OED) was employed to investigate the effects of preparation parameters on hot mix asphalt rubber (AR) properties. Based on the optimized AR formulation, a composite warm mix system combining Ultra-Warm Mix additive (UWM) and Sasobit was developed, and control groups containing 5% UWM only and 1.5% Sasobit only were prepared for comparison. Conventional physical tests together with rheological characterization, including Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR), Multiple Stress Creep Recovery (MSCR), and Bending Beam Rheometer (BBR) tests, were conducted to evaluate the high- and low-temperature performance of WAR. Results show that the optimal preparation process consisted of aromatic oil content 5%, crumb rubber content 30%, shear temperature 220 °C, shear time 120 min, and reaction time 90 min. The composite warm mix system notably enhanced WAR performance, with the WAR-5U1.5S group exhibiting the most balanced properties. A marked reduction in rotational viscosity was achieved while maintaining a stable softening point, and satisfactory ductility and elastic recovery were also retained. DSR and MSCR tests confirmed improved high-temperature deformation resistance, an increase in percent recovery R, and a decrease in non-recoverable creep compliance Jnr. BBR test further verified that the composite system maintained good low-temperature cracking resistance, meeting all specification requirements. Overall, these results indicate that, compared with the optimized AR, WAR can reduce mixing viscosity without sacrificing rutting or cracking performance, while alleviating the limitations observed for single warm mix additives. This study provides essential technical support for promoting WAR that integrates low-carbon construction with superior pavement performance.